How to Complete a Loan Application Form

When filling out a loan application form it is important that you do so with the utmost attention to detail. There is so much more to filling out an application than just filling in the blanks. What you really should be doing is looking at the application from the standpoint of your potential lender. What would you expect out of a loan application? How would you want it to look? Should everything be accurate?

What Would You Expect Out Of A Loan Application?

As a potential lender, you would expect that the loan application be filled out in its entirety. This is how you need to be looking at the application while you are filling it out to receive a loan or any type of credit for that matter. Look at it from their point of view. If there are any blank fields left in the application, this leaves a void for the lender and even may raise a red flag in the lender's mind, wondering what you may be hiding since you left that information blank.

Blank fields could mean more time for the both of you. If you inadvertently leave something important blank, you are either going to get a call from the lender to come back in and complete the loan application or it will be denied for this reason, and you will have to fill the form out all over again. Therefore, make sure you leave nothing blank. In areas where they do not apply, simply put N/A or note that it does not apply.

How Would You Want It To Look?

Remember in grade school when your teacher told you that neatness counts? That statement is true, and is true particularly for a loan application. Again, put yourself in the shoes of the potential lender. Would you accept an application that was sloppy? No, you want to make sure that an actual form application is written clearly. For a form application, that you have to fill out by hand make sure you:

• Print Neatly.
  
• Avoid Overly Large Handwriting.
  
• Avoid Overly Small Handwriting.
  

For forms that must be filled out online, you should:

• Avoid using all uppercase letters
  
• Use Capitalization where necessary, such as Names, Street Addresses, and State Abbreviations
  

Should Everything Be Accurate?

Absolutely! Nothing will get your loan application denied faster than the lender discovering that you lied on the form, even if you have excellent credit. Would you accept any loan application that was fabricated in any way? Make sure that you DO make yourself look positive in the eyes of the potential lender, however, make sure it is done so accurately. Avoid negativity if at all possible, but remember honesty is always the best policy and potential lenders will definitely see you in a better light if you are honest.

If the loan application allows you to leave any notes or comments that should be taken into consideration by the lender, it is important that you take advantage of this area. You will want to put yourself in a positive perspective. Do not beg or whine to the lender, this will make you look bad. However, make sure, particularly if your credit is less than perfect or bad, to present yourself in a positive manner.

Knowing how to fill out a loan application means more than just filling in the blanks. Doing it right the first time can save you a lot of headaches and hassles.